Tales of Us

This album reminds me of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon"--not in musical style or that it's of the classic-forever caliber, but because of the way it can deepen your mood, like the weather.  As "The Dark Side of the Moon" can be the perfect musical backdrop for a party or for crying yourself to sleep, depending on how your day is going, "Tales of Us" can be equally romantic or dark.  Stripped and acoustic, with moody elements of electronica seamlessly slipping into the soundscape sprinkled with hints of Serge Gainsbourg-like retro, it feels like the soundtrack to a 1970's art house French movie or an ad for expensive perfume. Unlike other Goldfrapp albums which fall more into the "dance music" category, with 2003's "Black Cherry" being synth-heavy and 2011's "Head First" channeling "The Pointer Sisters" and upbeat 80's tunes that make you want to don leg warmers and attend aerobics class, this album cements Goldfrapp's reputation of walking the line between pop and fine art.